Be My Eyes is a free smartphone app that connects blind and low-vision users with sighted volunteers for visual assistance through live video calls.
Here’s how it works:
- User Requests Help: The blind or low-vision user opens the Be My Eyes app and selects “Call first available volunteer.”
- Volunteer Alert: The app sends a notification to several volunteers in the user’s language and time zone.
- Volunteer Connects: The first volunteer to answer the call is connected to the user.
- Live Video Feed: The user’s phone camera transmits a live video feed to the volunteer’s phone.
- Audio Communication: The user and volunteer can talk through the app, allowing the user to describe their situation and the volunteer to provide assistance.
- Visual Tasks: The volunteer uses the video feed to help the user with various tasks, such as checking expiry dates on food labels, identifying clothing colours, or reading text aloud.
